Preview: Ravens Look to Maintain Top Spot in the AFC

The Baltimore Ravens are back on the road this week as they travel to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars on Sunday night. The Ravens are coming off a thrilling victory against the Rams that saw Ravens returner Tylan Wallace return a punt 76-yards for the game winning score in overtime. With the win the Ravens sit at 10-3 entering Sunday with the best record in the AFC. The Jaguars however are reeling as they have lost two straight, including last week to the Joe Flacco led Browns. The Jaguars are currently 8-5 looking to maintain pace with the Ravens in hopes of securing the number one seed in the AFC.

With the late bye week and a fairly clean game last week the Ravens enter week 15 the healthiest they have been in some time. All 53 players on the active roster practiced this week with the only injury concern being safety Kyle Hamilton. Hamilton suffered a grade one MCL sprain last Sunday and while the second-year safety practiced in all week he is listed as questionable for Sunday. Outside linebacker Malik Hamm is the only other player listed on the injury report this week. Hamm has been on injured reserve and returned to practice for the first time last week. Hamm would need to activated to the active roster in order to play, but is listed as questionable.

The Jaguars on the other hand have a bevy of injuries heading into Sunday. Safety Andre Cisco (groin) and cornerback Tyson Campbell (quad) have already been ruled out. Wide receiver Jamal Agnew (shoulder), tight end Brenton Strange (foot), offensive lineman Walker Little (hamstring) and Ezra Cleveland (knee) were all limited in practice on Friday and are listed as questionable.

Other notable players who are also questionable for Sunday are cornerback Tre Herndon (concussion) and long snapper Ross Matiscik (back). Running back Travis Etienne was limited all week with rib injury but does not have an injury designation while quarterback Trevor Lawrence who has been dealing with an ankle injury practice in full and also does not have an injury designation.

Players to Watch:

Marcus Williams

Ravens safety Marcus Williams has struggled with injuries this season has dealt with a pectoral injury early in the year before being sidelined again with a hamstring during the Ravens game in London. But while this year may not be going to plan for Williams his strong return over the last month has proved critical in the teams success. In just seven game so far this season Williams has accumulated 29 total tackles and six pass deflections. 17 of those tackles however have come within the last three weeks including a season high seven tackles against the Bengals in week 11.

Despite the injuries Williams looks to be getting stronger each week which will be important especially on Sunday as fellow safety Kyle Hamilton may be limited in what he can do as he deals with a knee injury. Williams has big play ability and should have plenty of chances on Sunday to try and come away with his first interception on the season.

Travis Etienne

In just his second full year Jaguars running back Travis Etienne has quickly become one of the most dynamic running backs in the NFL. Etienne ranks in the top five in the NFL this season in rushing with 219 carries for 806 yards to go along with nine touchdowns. His big play ability is also something to keep an eye on as he as the opportunity to score from anywhere on the field anytime he touches the ball.

But its Etienne’s ability to not only run the ball, but also his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield that makes him so dangerous. In thirteen games Etienne has 44 catches for 383 yards and a touchdown averaging just over 11 yards per catch. The Jaguars look for Etienne on quick screens and quick passes out of the backfield to get him open in space. The Ravens linebacker duo of Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith will have their hands full all night as they look to slow down Etienne and this Jaguars offense.

Prediction

After a close one last Sunday the Ravens know this next three game stretch is no easy task. Despite the recent struggle by the Jaguars, they still remain one of the top teams in the AFC largely due to their offense that ranks just outside the top 10 in yards per game. The Ravens secondary will have to work hard to slow down the weapons that the Jaguars have on offense and keep Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence from getting into a rhythm. Jaguars Wide receiver Calvin Ridley and running back Travis Etienne are play makers in the pass game, and will need to be limited by the Ravens defense otherwise it could be another high scoring game. Luckily for the Ravens the Jaguars offensive line has struggled as of late meaning sacks and pressures will be there to get Lawrence off his spot as they look to rattle him early.

Defensively the Jaguars rank 24th in total defense giving up over 265 yards passing per game. The Ravens should be able to attack this defense through the air. The lack of a pass rush by the Jaguars other than from linebacker Josh Allen should give Lamar Jackson plenty of time to find his receivers for what hopes to be big chunk plays down field.

The Jaguars are in desperation mode as they try to keep from losing their third straight game, but Sunday night has a playoff feel to it, with desperation on the Ravens side as well as they look to show they belong in the conversation as the best team in not just the AFC, but the entire NFL. It won’t be easy Sunday night, but give me a determined Ravens team in a close one 34-30.

Line: Baltimore -3.5

Over/Under: 42.5

All-Time Record: Jacksonville leads series 13-10

Last Meeting: 11/27/22 Jacksonville 28-27